In thinking ahead for Valentine's Day, some of my favorite treats are Champagne with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries. Lately, I've been in a cupcake mood so I got creative today and combined all those decadent flavors into a luscious cupcake. Perfect for a romantic Snack or a stunning Tea or for no special occasion at all.
Champagne Cupcakes
Cupcake Ingredients:
- 1/2 C unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 C sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 t vanilla bean paste
- 1 3/4 C cake flour
- 1 t baking powder
- 1/2 t baking soda
- 1/2 t salt
- 1/2 C sour cream
- 1/2 C champagne
Directions: In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing to incorporate. Add vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients, sifting well. Alternate adding the flour mixture with the sour cream and champagne. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 20 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven. Set aside and cool well.
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 C heavy cream
- 8 oz Mascarpone
- 1/2 C champagne
- 1/2 C confectioners sugar
Directions: In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix together the Mascarpone, champagne and confectioners sugar. Gently fold the Mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream. Use a piping bag fitted with a large, plain tip and fill the center of each cooled cupcake.
Strawberry Buttercream Ingredients:
- 1/2 C solid vegetable shortening
- 1/2 C butter, softened
- 1/2 t strawberry extract
- 4 C confectioners sugar
- 2 T milk
Directions: In a large mixing bowl, cream together shortening and butter. Add strawberry extract then gradually add confectioners sugar, 1 cup at a time. You may need to scrap down the sides. After all the sugar has been incorporated, add the milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. If you want a bit more pink tint, add a drop of red food coloring. Use a piping bag fitted with the tip of your choice and pipe frosting onto each cupcake.
Chocolate Ganache Ingredients:
- 1 C heavy cream
- 1 C dark chocolate chips
- 1 t. vanilla bean paste
Directions: Place dark chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until just before it boils. Pour over the chocolate and let sit for a few minutes. Using a whisk, beat until smooth then add the vanilla. Cool and place into a squeeze bottle to garnish the cupcakes.
I added some sliced strawberries and little white pearls to make these cupcakes extra special.
6 comments:
Those look and sound absolutely delicious.
These do look delicious, I have made these type of cupcakes before but not with this delicious filling. Great to find an improved version-I will need to try. I do agree, they are extra special
These are just lovely! Perfect for Valentine's Day...so many delicious components~
These do look wonderful! Nothing says romance like champagne, chocolate, and strawberries!
YUM!! The cupckaes sound right on the money!
I like anything with champagne in it. What a classy recipe!
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